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Disease timebomb for over 65’s

Populations are ageing and we’re getting sicker. Researchers at Newcastle University in the UK are predicting a large increase in the number of people, over 65, suffering with ‘multi-morbidity’ by 2035. One in 3 of us will experience some form of cognitive impairment if we don’t take preventive measures. These data, coupled with the news that stroke patients are getting younger is set to exert more pressure on buckling healthcare services that are stretched to breaking point. Never more so, has a paradigm shift in healthcare been needed. Rather than treating ‘sickness’ as normal, we need to prioritise self-care and healthy ageing, which will not only reduce the burden on healthcare services, but also allow us to become healthy and vital seniors.

Is ultra-processed food becoming an addiction?

Consumption of ultra-processed food is increasing. A recent study has revealed high levels of ultra-processed foods bought in Europe. The UK has topped the list with over 50% of food purchased by households being ultra-processed. Big Food knows what it’s doing when it designs these ‘foods’ to hit our ‘bliss point’ in order to keep us going back for more. Made from cheap ingredients and produced on a huge scale these foods are a far cry from the whole unprocessed foods rich in nutrients, recommended in the ANH-Intl Food4Health guidelines. Increased levels of consumption are also contributing to rising rates of obesity, chronic disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Prostate cancer bigger killer than breast cancer

New figures from the UK charity Prostate Cancer UK have shown that more men are dying from prostate cancer each year than are women from breast cancer. This has led to calls for increased PSA testing, despite its inventor criticising its use and the extremely high level of false positives. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are a leading cause of chronic diseases, yet they are also part of the solution. Another very good reason why self-care should be top of everyone’s health agenda.

UK NHS recommends vaping as better than smoking!

Public Health England (PHE) has published evidence which states that, “Vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks of smoking and switching completely from smoking to vaping conveys substantial health benefits”. In contrast, authorities in Singapore have banned the use of e-cigarettes and other forms of vaporisers due to the lack of “conclusive scientific evidence” of their effectiveness and potential risk to health. Vaping is a new phenomenon that has very little research behind it. However, a 2017 study suggested an increased risk of chronic bronchitic symptoms in adolescent e-cigarette users whilst another study indicated changes to the innate immune system in those vaping. However, little is currently known about the health effects of the chemicals used in vaping liquids when inhaled.